Skip to main content
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

The Kennedy Center Presents THE SECOND ANNUAL LOCAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Celebrating The DMV's Vibrant Theater Scene featuring an exclusive conversation with theater critics Peter Marks and Naveen Kumar.

By:
The Kennedy Center Presents THE SECOND ANNUAL LOCAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

The Kennedy Center has announced the return of the Local Theatre Festival at The REACH on Saturday, August 24, 2024, starting at 10:00 a.m. 

This free, day-long event celebrates the DMV's (DC, Maryland, Virginia) rich theatrical community, and highlights the innovative work of local theater companies and playwrights. This year's festival features a special highlight: an exclusive, in-depth conversation in the Terrace Theater at 730 pm on Friday, August 23rd, between The Washington Post's former chief theater critic, Peter Marks, and his newly appointed successor, Naveen Kumar. Free tickets for this conversation will be available beginning August 12, 2024, through the Kennedy Center website.

This year's festival lineup features an impressive array of Local Theatre Resident Artists and Organizations including ArtsCentric, Cage Free Voices, Edwin Fontanez, Ifa Bayeza, Jeremy Hunter, Marjuan Canady, Navi Nikki Mirza, Prologue Theatre, Regan Linton, Spooky Action Theater, and Tom Minter.

Festival attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy:

  • Works-in-Progress Readings: Attend readings from previous Kennedy Center Local Theatre Resident artists, offering a sneak peek into exciting new theatrical works.
  • Engaging Workshops and Panels: Participate in sessions led by renowned local industry professionals, designed to inspire and educate theater enthusiasts and aspiring artists.
  • Resource Fair: Explore a curated selection of resources tailored specifically for DMV theater fans and professionals, providing valuable insights and opportunities.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024                                                                                            Time: Events start at 10:00 AM                                                                                          Location: The REACH at The Kennedy Center

Admission: Ticket reservations will open about 12 days before the festival. A ticket is required for all events. Doors open 15 minutes before each event. Each event is a first come, first served event; a reservation confirmation does not guarantee a ticket. Please arrive early to exchange your email confirmation at the REACH Box Office for a ticket to the event(s).

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the heart and soul of DMV theater, engage with local creatives, and enjoy a day filled with artistic inspiration and community spirit.

Click Here to Get Tickets
More on John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Recent Articles
Review: MOULIN ROUGE!: THE MUSICAL at The Kennedy Center
Review: MOULIN ROUGE!: THE MUSICAL at The Kennedy Center
6/21/2026
Need more Washington, DC Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...


BroadwayWorld TV


CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical in Washington, DC CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (6/12-8/09)
Macbeth - Academy Summer Repertory in Washington, DC Macbeth - Academy Summer Repertory
Shakespeare Theatre Company (7/16-7/25)
Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical in Washington, DC Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical
Imagination Stage (6/17-7/26)
Twelfth Night - Academy Summer Repertory in Washington, DC Twelfth Night - Academy Summer Repertory
Shakespeare Theatre Company (7/15-7/25)
Brontë Sister House Party in Washington, DC Brontë Sister House Party
Van Ness Main Street (8/14-9/12)
Misery in Washington, DC Misery
Aldie Mill Historic Park (8/20-8/30)
Philadelphia Ballet Stars and Stripes Forever! in Washington, DC Philadelphia Ballet Stars and Stripes Forever!
Wolf Trap (9/10-9/10)
Come From Away in Washington, DC Come From Away
Ford's Theatre (9/10-10/18)
Body Language in Washington, DC Body Language
The Allan Lefcowitz Theater at The Writer's Center (9/25-9/27) PHOTOS
Natural History in Washington, DC Natural History
Mosaic Theater Company (1/21-2/07)